The U.S. Department of Education has named six Hawaii semi-finalists for this year's 2015 Presidential Scholar award. They are:

HI ‐ Hana ‐ Jack V. Wolfgramm, Wolfgramm Home School

HI ‐ Honolulu ‐ Andrew M. Chun, Roosevelt High School

HI ‐ Honolulu ‐ Tianzhen Nie, Kaiser High School

HI ‐ Honolulu ‐ Liz M. Tenrai, Punahou School

HI ‐ Kamuela ‐ Harmony M. Graziano, Hawaii Preparatory Academy

HI ‐ Kaneohe ‐ Sierra K. Hirayama, Kamehameha High School‐Kapalama

The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program was established in 1964, by executive order of the President, to recognize and honor some of our nation's most distinguished graduating high school seniors. In 1979, the program was extended to recognize students who demonstrate exceptional talent in the visual, creative and performing arts. Each year, up to 141 students are named as Presidential Scholars, one of the nation's highest honors for high school students.

Congratulations to these high school seniors on their year of achievement.

Hawaii Kai Plant Exchange and Sale takes place every second Tuesday in the parking lot of Kaiser High School. Bring a plant, take a plant, leave a donation, it's up to you. Proceeds benefit the school.

EastOahu96825 is a website focused on the Hawaii Kai Neighborhood. Articles of interest include nearby free and low-cost events, local fundraisers, Costco shopping, and my trials and tribulations in learning Japanese as a second language.

This site also posts the latest information on my pet project, a once a month plant swap that takes place every 2nd Tuesday at Kaiser High School from 4-7pm.